NEWSLETTER
The Cubs finally dropped a game yesterday, losing to the White Sox 4-3. It was bound to happen, but of course it had to happen against the Sox. They’re getting back on the horse this afternoon, with a bout against the Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. A lot of the top prospects have made their way out of big league camp, which means were left with more regulars and true roster-battlers.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Nico Hoerner, 2B
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Trey Mancini, RF
- Edwin Rios, 1B
- Yan Gomes, C
- Patrick Wisdom, 3B
- Mike Tauchman, DH
- Chris Morel, CF
- Zach McKinstry, LF
There are a lot of roster/playing time bubble guys in the lineup today, and among the most interesting choices is Edwin Rios at first base. I suspect the Cubs really like what he offers offensively (left handed, big power) as a compliment to pretty much the entire rest of the roster, so any positional versatility will go a long way.
Mancini is getting more run in right, Chris Morel is an everywhere man (I’m starting to worry that they’re pursuing that ability a little too aggressively, we’ve seen how it can hurt players development offensively in the past), and Tauchman is the DH.
Pitching Matchup:
Cubs: Hayden Wesneski, RHP
Dodgers: Noah Syndergaard, RHP
Hayden Wesneski is back on the mound again today, looking to take a definitive step forward in the race for the fifth starter spot. He came into the spring as a relative underdog to Adrian Sampson (albeit ahead of Javier Assad), and he’s done nothing but dominate … in a minuscule sample: 2 starts, 4.2 IP, 5H, 0ER, 2BB, 7K. It’s a tiny sample, but we Cubs fans have seen him do nothing but dominate since coming over from the Yankees, so … it’s kinda hard to shake the feeling that he’s better than he gets credit for.
He’s going up against Noah Syndergaard, who’s looking to again reinvent himself on a one-year deal in California, this time with the Dodgers
How to Watch:
Chicago Cubs (9-5) at Los Angels Dodgers – Saturday, March 11 at 2:05 CT on Marquee
